Serum levels and urine detection of Centruroides sculpturatus venom in significantly envenomated patients

Introduction. Envenomation by Centruroides sculpturatus can cause systemic signs and symptoms requiring treatment. The toxicokinetics of C. sculpturatus venom has not been described. Methods. Venom components were separated for cross-reactivity testing. Serum and urine collected from three patients envenomated by C. sculpturatus had venom levels determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. Western blot analysis indicated recognition of C. sculpturatus venom by Alacramyn®, an equine F(ab′)2 antivenom developed against Centruroides scorpion venoms, including C. sculpturatus. Serum venom levels in ng/mL with post-envenomation times in minutes (min) were as follows: 85-year-old woman = 8.2 (∼150), 2.8 (515), 1.6 (1,200); 14-month-old girl = 29.7 (∼50), 5.0 (729); 3-year-old girl = 11.1 (∼313), urine venom level of 9.0 (∼490). Conclusion. There is sufficient venom cross-antigenicity among different Centruroides species to allow this ELISA technique with Alacramyn® to determine serum and urine C. sculpturatus venom concentrations in envenomated patients.